As big of a barbecue fan as I am, I'm ashamed to admit that I have just recently ate at Voodoo BBQ for the first time.  Even though you can now pretty much find a Voodoo BBQ anywhere in the area now days, I was finally compelled enough to give it a try.

My original perception of Voodoo BBQ, before ever stepping in the place, had always been that it was expensive. Boy was I wrong! Voodoo offers very competitive prices with any other barbecue joint in the area with each plate averaging under $10.

Since this was my first trip, I made sure to try as many items as possible, and that usually means one thing: I'm gonna be sampling my company's food as well as my own. I guess its obvious I've never been to dinner etiquette school.

I decided on the pulled pork and brisket platter with a side of potato salad and Rattlesnake Beans. My company ordered the spicy chicken tenders with macaroni and cheese and potato salad (damn, I couldn't talk them into getting the cole slaw instead of the potato salad. I want to try the cole slaw too!).

Now, once the feast was brought out to our table, it is very important at Voodoo BBQ to decide whether to sauce or not to sauce and which of three sauces will you be using. Voodoo offers a traditional tangy cane sugar vinegar-based sauce called Cane Vinegar, a spicy sauce called Mango Crystal, and a unique yet traditional sauce called Mojo (Moe-Joe) sauce. After trying all three, I decided on the their most popular Mojo sauce. It is has very original taste that causes an explosion of the palette. Its sweet, tangy, smoky and spicy which causes the brain cells to go completely comatose.

Now I was ready to dive into the delicious looking barbecue and already eyeing my companies plate as well. The brisket had the honor of being the first thing I tried on my plate. It was delicious! Very tender and seasoned nicely. The only thing I thought it was missing was smoke. I would have loved a more smoky flavor in the brisket, but all around, nicely done.

Next I tried the pulled pork. The pork is very moist and not overly seasoned, allowing the sauce to be the perfect compliment. When it comes down to it, if you like your pork dry, I would say it was a little on the bland side, but add the sauce and you have a very decent meal.

Now after seeing the size of my companies plate, I knew I wouldn't even have to ask for a bite. I new she wouldn'nt finish and offer me a nibble. The spicy chicken tenders came with four gigantic strips that dwarf any other tenders you can find.  After a few minutes passed by, my prediction came true: she offered me a tender because she couldn't eat another bite.

The spicy chicken tenders were great! It was juicy and had a nice kick, though it not really hot, it was just perfect. Excellent choice for those not not looking to eat barbecue while at a barbecue joint (I like to call those people weirdos).

Now lets talk about the sides. The mac and cheese was thick, creamy and delicious. The rattlesnake beans were very typical. Nothing special about them and reminded me of canned beans. Just my opinion, but if you give your beans the special name "Rattlesnake", I want to experience something new and exciting. Otherwise, just call them beans.

Now I guess you could say I saved the best for last. The potato salad is amazing! It may be the best potato salad I have ever eaten. It's an extremely thick and meaty mayonnaise-based potato salad that seems to put me in a euphoric state with each bite. From now on I will be ordering two sides of potato salad!

In conclusion, if you are looking for good-solid barbecue, then Voodoo BBQ is the place. Though the barbecue is not the best I have ever had (and I've pretty much tried them all at this point), it is definitely way above average and worth the visit. Because I want to try the ribs next time, I will be coming back to this place again.

Food Rating:

Service
Voodoo has very concerned and friendly service. The line to order moves quickly and the food prep time is quick. The one thing that stood out was how seemingly every member of the staff (from bus-boy to manager) seemed to ask us how our meal was and i there was anything we needed. Excellent service!

Service Rating:

Atmosphere
I went to the newly opened Denham Springs location for this review. The atmosphere is nice, yet nothing exciting. The place is very clean and had a modern restaurant atmosphere. I guess to the normal person (yeah, I'm a weirdo too), Voodoo has a nice family atmosphere featuring a full service bar and televisions everywhere. It's definitely a nice place, however I'm just used to walking into hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints.

Atmosphere Rating:

Voodoo BBQ & Grill
Denham Springs, LA 70726
(225) 667-3334
www.voodoobbqandgrill.com